Overpayments

Benefit Payment Control

The Mississippi Department of Employment Security is committed to maintaining the integrity of the UI program. Benefit Payment Control (BPC) is an aggressive fraud and overpayment program that uses several different detection methods to ensure the appropriateness of unemployment insurance benefits paid. A key detection method is a computerized cross match system which checks benefits paid against wages reported by employers in Mississippi and other states.

When overpayments are determined to have been caused by failure to report earnings, falsifying earning statements, falsifying medical statements, or other fraudulent actions, the Unemployment Insurance Division may assess a time disqualification as well as requiring repayment of benefits. Mississippi may seek criminal prosecution, and an individual may be fined a maximum of $500.00 and/or sentenced to 30 days in jail for each claim filed. Fraud penalties vary depending on the degree of fraud involved.

CAUTION TO CLAIMANTS: REMEMBER YOU ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT ALL WORK AND EARNINGS FOR THE WEEK BEING CLAIMED REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU HAVE BEEN PAID YET OR NOT.

Failure to fully pay the debt will result in a collection warrant/lien being issued and possible garnishment of future wages. Until the debt is satisfied, MDES may intercept your State Income Tax Refund or your Federal Tax Refund. In addition, MDES will offset future unemployment benefits to be applied to your overpayment. Interest will accrue at the rate of 1% per month on any unpaid balance.

Repayment

You are entitled only to benefits for which you are eligible. You must repay all benefits that are overpaid even if you were paid in error. Overpayments are legally enforceable debts. If an overpayment has been assessed against you, the repayment schedule that should be followed is:

The full amount should be paid within sixty (60) days or a minimum payment of $150.00 every thirty (30) days until the non-fraud debt is satisfied.

Payments may be mailed to:

Mississippi Department of Employment Security
Benefit Payment Control Department
PO Box 22730
Jackson MS 39225-2273

Please write ONLY the last four digits of your Social Security Number on your payment to ensure that the correct account is credited.